Sinus Headaches
Relief for pressure, pain, and the fog that won’t go away.
If you feel a deep, throbbing pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead — especially when you lean forward — you might assume it’s a regular headache. But if it comes with nasal congestion or facial tenderness, you could be dealing with a sinus headache.
At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) can help determine whether your symptoms are truly sinus-related — or caused by something else like migraines or tension headaches. From diagnosis to treatment, we’ll help you find a clear path to lasting relief.
If facial pressure and headache pain are part of your daily life, schedule an appointment today to get the answers you need.
Common Symptoms
Sinus headaches can feel like other types of headaches, but they typically come with:
- Pressure or pain in the forehead, cheeks, or between the eyes
- A heavy or “full” feeling in the face or head
- Worsening pain when bending forward or lying down
- Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip
- Fatigue or a sense of fogginess
- Tenderness or swelling around the face or eyes
- Headache that follows a cold or sinus infection
How We Diagnose
Because sinus headaches can mimic migraines or other types of head pain, getting the right diagnosis is key. We may use:
- Symptom review and medical history, including patterns and triggers
- Nasal endoscopy to check for sinus swelling, infection, or structural issues
- CT scan to evaluate sinus drainage and rule out chronic sinusitis
- Allergy testing if inflammation may be allergy-related
- Coordination/referral with a migraine specialist if migraines are suspected
We’ll help you understand the root cause of your symptoms — so treatment actually works.
Treatment Options
Once we’ve confirmed your symptoms are sinus-related, treatment may include:
- Nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines to reduce sinus inflammation
- Saline rinses to clear out mucus and allergens
- Oral decongestants to relieve pressure and improve drainage
- Antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections
- Allergy treatment if allergies are triggering inflammation
- Balloon sinuplasty or sinus surgery if chronic sinus blockage is contributing to the problem
- Referral for migraine care if your headache pattern points to a neurological cause
- Migraine treatment or referral to a migraine specialist if your headache pattern points to a neurological cause.
Our goal is to help you breathe more freely and reduce facial pressure — not just mask the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sinus headaches usually include facial pressure, nasal symptoms, and may worsen when you bend forward. If there’s no congestion or facial tenderness, it might be another type of headache.
Yes — allergic inflammation can block your sinuses and lead to pressure and pain, especially during allergy season.
Not always. But when infection or inflammation blocks normal sinus drainage, the buildup of pressure can definitely trigger headache symptoms.
It’s possible your headaches are caused by something else, like migraines. We’ll help you figure that out and refer you as needed.
Sometimes. If structural issues like a deviated septum or polyps are preventing proper drainage, surgery may offer long-term relief.
Let’s Get to the Bottom of Your Headaches
If sinus pressure, pain, or recurring headaches are holding you back, Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat is here to help. Schedule a visit with our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) today.